Flat Coated Retriever Bis Ch. Northwood First Solitude "Bandit"
Photo courtesy of Solitude Kennels Reg'd

Flat-Coated Retriever

Flat Coated Retriever Breed Information
Flat Coated Retriever Clubs
Flat Coated Retriever Breeders
Flat Coated Retriever Rescue Organizations
Flat Coated Retriever Books, Gifts and Collectibles

Back to Home Page HOME  
BREED LIST  
Flat-Coated Breeders  /  Clubs & Events  /  Rescue Organizations  /  Books & Merchandise


FLAT COATED RETRIEVER — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION

Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information


Breed Description

Breed Registries:
Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.

* — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.

Origin: Great Britain
Height: Male — 23 to 24 inches (58-61 cm) at the withers;
Female — 22 to 23 inches (56-59cm)
Weight: Ideal weight is 60 to 70 lbs (27-32 kg)
The Flat-Coated Retriever was developed in England in the mid-19th century. Until World War I, this breed was the most popular show dog in Britain as well as a favourite in the field. After the war, interest in the breed declined and sportsmen chose the Labrador and Golden Retrievers as their favourites. In the last 20 years, however, there has been an increase in interest and the breed is regaining popularity.

This relative lack of interest in the Flat Coat has helped the breed maintain its reputation as a dual-purpose dog with little difference between the conformation show dog and those working in the field. The breed is extremely versatile and it is quite common for one dog to hold titles in several areas, such as one dog can hold show, obedience, field and other titles.

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a moderately high energy and exuberant dog. He is very people-oriented, exceptional with children, and makes a wonderful companion for active families. His character is outstanding and he should never be nervous, hyperactive, shy or aggressive. In the home, he is a wonderful and devoted companion; in the field, he has a great desire to hunt; and in the show ring, he is stable and self-confident. The versatile Flat Coat participates in several dog sports and activities including field trials, obedience competitions, agility, and flyball to name a few.

His coat should be straight and lie flat, as the name implies. It is of moderate length, dense, glossy and full. He may be black or liver in colour. Physically, the Flat Coat is well proportioned, strong yet elegant.

For additional books, gifts & merchandise, CLICK HERE


TOP

Health Issues:

Like all breeds of dogs, the Flat Coated Retriever is susceptible to certain health problems. Health concerns for the breed include cancer, hip dysplasia, glaucoma, and luxating patellas. If you are considering the adoption of a Flat Coated Retriever puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. The Flat-Coated Retriever Society of Canada and the FCRSA require that all breeding stock have OVC (Ontario Veterinary College) in Canada, OFA (Orthapedic Foundation for Animals) or equivalent certification and CERF numbers or board-certified opthamologist equivalent. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)

Health Resources:


TOP

Breed Standards:


TOP

Grooming:

  • Grooming — This growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes grooming information, tips and techniques as well as listings of Groomers from across Canada.


TOP

Training Resources:

In general, the Flat-Coated Retriever remains puppy-like for three or more years and even after maturity has been reached, he will remain playful, mischievous and eager. The breed is intelligent, quick to learn but easily bored. Training sessions should be kept brief, fun and challenging.

  • Training — For information on training your Flat Coated Retriever, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Training Tools and Equipment Training Tools & Equipment
Choose from a wide variety of items from Dogwise.com


TOP

Additional Information:

  • The International Directory of Flatcoated Retrievers — The site includes a Flatcoat search directory, regularly updated articles, pictures of dogs and special features relating to all aspects of the breed.
  • Clubs, Sports and Activities — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information on several sports and activities including agility, conformation, obedience, herding, and much more. In addition, listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada can be found here. (Note: For Breed specific Clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
  • Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section covers such dog jobs as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Police K9s and much more. Also included here are listings of organizations from across Canada.

Retriever Journal, The

Retriever Journal, The

The Retriever Journal is the only full-color magazine devoted exclusively to retrievers. It is full of excellent training advice on how to turn every retriever into a fetching machine out in the field.
Worldwide Shipping Available.


Select from the following links to view Flat-Coated Retriever Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Shows and Events; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and Merchandise specific to the Flat-Coated Retriever breed:

Flat-Coated Breeders  /  Clubs & Events  /  Rescue Organizations  /  Books & Merchandise


Copyright © P.Mitchell 2004-2007. All Rights Reserved.
All content, including graphics, on the Canada's Guide to Dogs Website, unless otherwise noted,
is Copyright©P.Mitchell, and may not be copied or reproduced without prior written permission.

Back to Breed Listing >>
Back to Home Page >>

Last Updated: 3 December 2008  

This site is a member of WebRing.
To browse visit Here.